Tag Archives: study skills

Focus Fix: Pomodoro Sessions for Science Researchers

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Photograph of woman staring at a laptop looking stressed biting down on a pecil so that it is out either side of her mouth.

Do you find it hard to focus on your thesis writing without interruptions? Procrastinating over finishing a conference poster? Never enough time to read that new paper? If you’re having issues like these a library pomodoro session might be just the thing for you!

What is a pomodoro session?

A pomodoro session is a study technique that aims to create protected, distraction free time for you to work. Many people find maintaining focus on a task for more than 25 – 30 minutes at a time challenging. In a pomodoro session, work is broken into 25-minute chunks, separated by 5-minute breaks. These 5-minute breaks allow your concentration to ‘reset’ meaning you can be more focused and productive across the session. Pomodoro sessions usually last between 2 – 3 hours.

Why is it called ‘Pomodoro’?

Photograph of a tomato shaped timer
Il pomodoro by Francesco Cirillo via Wikicommons CC BY-SA 3.0

The original creator of the pomodoro technique was Francesco Cirillo. He used a mechanical, tomato shaped kitchen timer. ‘Pomodoro’ is the Italian word for ‘tomato’.

Why do a pomodoro session at the library?

Photograph of several students in the RSL reading room.
Photograph by John Cairns.

All you need for a pomodoro session on your own is a quiet space and a timer. However, when doing pomodoro on your own, you can be more susceptible to distractions or not following the timings. In a library pomodoro, you will be working in a quiet group study area with other people. A librarian will run the session and manage the timing. Working around other people may help you stay motivated and focused. At the end of the library session, there is an opportunity for you to socialise with colleagues over free tea and coffee.

Top tips for getting the most out of pomodoro

  • Set a goal – decide what you want to achieve at the session before you come. Make a to-do list if you have several tasks.
  • Kill distractions – no phones, no e-mail or social media notifications and switch devices to ‘Do not disturb’ and silent mode.
  • Review – at the end of the pomodoro take a few minutes to review what you’ve achieved and update your to-do list.

You’ll find further tips on our guides: Getting the most out of a pomodoro and a Pomodoro etiquette.

Getting_the_most_out_of_a_pomodoro_sessionDownload
Pomodoro_Etiquette_GuideDownload

Where can I find more information about the Pomodoro technique?

  • YouTube Video from the Open University on the Pomodoro technique
  • Background information with further literature links from Derby University
  • Book ‘Pomodoro Technique Illustrated’ / Francesco Cirillo

Can I come to a pomodoro session at the library?

We are offering Pomodoro sessions in the first week of each month from July to December. You can book online using the link below. Booking opens 6 weeks before the date of each session. We offer a choice of 2 or 3-hour sessions.

Reading and Writing Innovation Lab Workshop Series

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Smart Ways to Speed up Studying

Reading and note taking are essential academic skills that you develop throughout your studies and research. But did you know that there is a whole range of devices and apps that can help you read and write more efficiently and keep all your notes organised? Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also opening exciting possibilities for researching and writing, but understanding the limitations of current AI tech and where it is appropriate to use these tools for academic work is challenging.

Illustration of digital devices including laptop, mobile phones, calculator, plus notebooks and pens

Credit: Image created by AI using DALL.E.-3 on Microsoft Copilot

To help guide you through the landscape of apps, websites, gadgets and gizmos, we are delighted to announce that the Radcliffe Science Library will be hosting the Reading and Writing Innovation Lab Workshop series in Trinity Term. This Workshop series consists of three 90-minute sessions:

Hardware and software for more efficient reading: Choosing e-readers, tablets and reading apps

An exploration of digital reading technologies, covering both hardware and software. Participants will learn about various strategies for effective digital reading and gain hands-on experience with tools. Topics include choosing the right e-reader, understanding e-readers versus tablets, using digital handwriting on devices, and optimising reading and note-taking workflows with tablets and apps.

When: 26th April, 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: In person, Seminar Room, Radcliffe Science Library
Availability: Free. Booking required. Booking details HERE

Guide to the note-taking revolution: New tools for organising readings and reading notes 

An overview of contemporary note-taking tools, including OneNote, Notion and Obsidian. This session offers insights into effective note organisation strategies and workflows. Participants will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with different note taking applications. This workshop will also delve into the integration of note-taking with planning tools, and the emerging trend of audio note-taking.

When: 3rd May, 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: In person, Seminar Room, Radcliffe Science Library
Availability: Free. Booking required. Booking details HERE

Integrating AI into your Academic Practice Responsibly

A detailed look at the role of generative AI in academic practice. This workshop covers the process of assessing academic tasks for AI compatibility and choosing the most suitable AI tool. It also discusses the common tasks where AI is widely used in academia and the typical pitfalls to avoid. A useful session for those interested in integrating AI into academic work without compromising integrity.

When: 24th May, 1pm – 2.30pm
Where: In person, Seminar Room, Radcliffe Science Library
Availability: Free. Booking required. Booking details HERE

These workshops will be presented by Dominik Lukes from the University of Oxford Centre for Teaching and Learning’s Reading and Writing Innovation Lab. The workshops are open to all University members, including undergraduates, postgraduates, academics and researchers.

All these workshops are free, but spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential. To find out more details and look at all the sessions, please visit our booking page.

Laptop, notepad and pen, cup of tea

Credit: Engin Akyurt, Pixabay

ORLO Study Skills List

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It’s getting to that time of year again, the days get longer, the weather hopefully gets better and you probaly don’t get to see much of it as you have to prepare for writing your thesis, starting research assignments and final peparations for exams. It can feel a little overwhelming but the ORLO Study Skills list may be able to help. It covers a range of topics reference management to time management and much more.

Photograph of a laptop with the screen covered in coloured post-its and scraps of paper.

It can be difficult to know where to start

For those preparing a thesis or dissertation we have some great resources on our study skills list, in the section Doing a research project, writing a thesis or dissertation. The section on Exams, tutorials, and presentations will set you up well for the upcoming exams.

Photograph of a lightbulb surrounded by coloured post-its that are laid out neatly.

Study skills can help you get organised

The list is an ORLO list so like all ORLO lists it you can use the Table of Contents button at the top to jump to the section most relevant to you. Try using this feature to take a look at our  subject specific guidance on the list. You can also use the search box at the top to find specific resources like Coping with stress at university: a survival guide by just typing a few words in the box e.g. coping with stress. And like all ORLO lists you can export the list or just the references. More information available on the Bodleian website.

If there are any study skills books or resources you’d like us to purchase then please contact your subject librarian or submit a request.

While you’re away + Study Skills titles and EDI collection

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The Bodleian Libraries have an extensive range of online resources to enable you to continue your studies away from Oxford.

SOLO

Filter results on SOLO by Online Resources to find resources that can be accessed remotely – look for the green Online access icon. University members can access these anywhere in the world when logged into SOLO with a Single Sign-On (SSO) ID.

E-books

The Bodleian Libraries have a large number of e-books which can be accessed via SOLO. We also have a guide to accessing and using e-books.

If you can’t find a book available as an e-book, then we may be able to purchase one. Complete the book recommendation form to put in your request.

Reading lists

Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) provides 24/7 access to reading lists from a range of devices via your Oxford Single Sign-On ID (More information on ORLO).

E-journals

Databases

All of Oxford’s databases are accessible via SOLO (filter by Databases under Resource Type) and also via Databases A-Z.

Free resources

  • Filter by Open Access at the top of the left hand column of search results in SOLO
  • LibGuides list key subject-specific resources accessible online

Study Skills Reading list

We have compiled a curated selection of study skills books in one list. The list contains titles suitable for undergraduates and graduates, from general to specific, and by subject. You can go browse the list by scrolling the page or by using the Table of Contents tab, to jump to a category. The list will be reviewed and updated regularly with new recommended titles.

Equality Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Collection

The library is committed to expanding its EDI collection in areas such as LGBT+ Studies, Women’s Studies, Disability Studies, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) Studies.

Here is a selection of titles:

More are available on SOLO.

Do you want the e-book of a title already on SOLO in print?  Do you have a recommendation for a title not already included? Contact karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.